New Education Coordinator announces programs beginning May 1
EDINBORO – After a very quiet year, Goodell Gardens & Homestead is preparing for a return of public visitation and programs in 2021. The public garden located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania has been preparing for increased educational offerings, which begin on their opening day, Saturday, May 1.
The Gardens will be open for self-guided tours from 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday beginning May 1. Guided tours of the Gardens will be offered each Saturday and Sunday in May at 1 pm. Admission to the Gardens and the Guided tours is free-of-charge.
Tours – named Along the Garden Path – will be led by Goodell Gardens new Education Coordinator Andrew Sipple, who described the tours, saying, “The garden is constantly changing throughout the seasons! We offer an informal guided garden tour every week for members and other visitors of varying ages. Bring your curiosity and questions with you to learn more about many facets of horticulture. We will walk along the garden path at a relaxing pace and tea will be provided for all participants.”
Opening weekend will also feature public programs, including Identifying Flowering Plants with Ease on Sunday, May 2 from 2 to 3 pm. The class, which will be held socially distanced and in-person, will be repeated the following evening, Monday, May 3, at 7 pm as well. The class is offered with a suggested donation of $5 per person (free for members of Goodell Gardens, and registration is required. Register online at https://goodellgardens.org/newleaf/ .
Programs will also be offered for children and teens, including Garden Seedlings and Garden Trees, two programs that take place on opening weekend.
The first session of Garden Seedlings will be held on Sunday, May 2 from 3:15 – 4:15 pm. This program is designed for students in grades K-2 (and an adult). Sunday’s program will focus on Essential Energy, and will be taught by a special guest of the Gardens – the Wizard of the Woods!
“The Wizard of the Woods has awakened from his long winter slumber, and he is excited to share some magic with the youngsters. His stories and legends are sure to leave everyone spellbound! This season, we will focus on the spark of life – energy!” shared Sipple.
Garden Seedlings will be offered every other Sunday from May 2 – July 25 at 3:15 pm. Each session will feature a different lesson based on the theme of energy.
Registration is required, and COVID-19 safety measures will be followed.
Registration is free for members of Goodell Gardens & Homestead, or $5 per session for folks who aren’t yet members. Register online:.
https://goodellgardens.org/seedlings/
Garden Trees will debut on Sunday, May 2 from 4:30 – 5:30 pm, and will also be held every two weeks on Sunday, until Jul 26, 2021The Garden Trees program is designed for students in grades 6-8, and students will learn how life works on our planet.
“Youth will explore the importance of environmental responsibility, as well as the seven ingredients that make up the secret formula for life on earth. This program is inspired by the Institute for Earth Education,” explained Sipple.
Registration is required, and COVID-19 safety measures will be followed.
Registration is free for members of Goodell Gardens & Homestead, or $5 suggested donation per session for folks who aren’t yet members. For more information, or to register online, visit https://goodellgardens.org/gardentrees/
Additional programming for students in grades 3-5 (Garden Saplings) and 9-12 (Budding Naturalists) will begin the second week of May.
“At Goodell Gardens we are so excited to have Andrew join our team as Education Coordinator,” Executive Director Amber Wellington said. “Andrew’s education, experience, and skills combine with his enthusiasm for environmental education and gardening in a way that is inspiring to everyone around him. We are so lucky to have him join our team to develop public programs for folks of all ages!”
For more information about Goodell Gardens & Homestead and their 2021 program of events, visit www.goodellgardens.org.
